Women crucial in agro-biodiversity
Biodiversity Conservation Initiative (BCI) says gender mainstreaming is essential in community-based agro-biodiversity management (CBAM) that seeks to increase the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers in Rumphi to climate change.
CBI programmes manager Leonard Manda said this at a gender mainstreaming training for farmers from Katowo, Bolero and Mhunju Extension Planning Area (EPA) in the district.
Manda said CBAM, which started last year, intends to increase the adaptive capacity of farmers to climate change through on-farm conservation practices such as Community Seed Bank management (CSB) and Participatory Variety Selection (PVS).
He said women are crucial in the programme because they are more knowledgeable about farming activities and are the custodians of the local seed.
“It is unfortunate that though women are highly involved in farming activities in the district, men make most decisions because they control land. We would like to mainstream gender in the project activities because it was noted that although women are mostly involved in agricultural activities, men benefit most,” he said.
He said his organisation needs concerted effort for men and women to participate in CBAM.
Loveness Kumwenda from Kawaza seed bank at Bolero EPA said it is unfortunate that men leave out most farm work for women.
“Most men in my area spend their time at beer halls instead of farming. As women, we do all the farm work and also care for our families. Yet we do not get anything at the end of the season because our husbands demand the cash,” said the mother of seven.
Kumwenda said she will use the knowledge gained from the training to sensitise people in her area to the benefits of working together as a family in agro-biodiversity management.
Thandiwe Zimba, a lead farmer from Katowo EPA, blamed the situation on culture which, she said, does not give women power to own land.
She said in order to deal with climate change, women have to be incorporated in decision making.
CBI is a Mzuzu-based NGO which conducts awareness campaigns on the threats of climate change and the need for conservation of local biodiversity.
